Wilford Ballard Sr. (aka Wolfie), 79, of Pocatello, died at a local hospital following an illness.
He was born March 22, 1932 in Fort Hall to Julius and Katie Hill Ballard.
He married Leota Amy Ponzo in Fort Hall. He worked as an auto mechanic with Johnson’s Auto. He then went to Fort Worth, Texas, where he took training to become a certified welder in 1959-60.
Upon returning to Idaho he worked for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes as a certified welder working in the Soil and Moisture Department until he retired.

Wilford Ballard Sr. (aka Wolfie), 79, of Pocatello, died at a local hospital following an illness.
He was born March 22, 1932 in Fort Hall to Julius and Katie Hill Ballard.
He married Leota Amy Ponzo in Fort Hall. He worked as an auto mechanic with Johnson’s Auto. He then went to Fort Worth, Texas, where he took training to become a certified welder in 1959-60.
Upon returning to Idaho he worked for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes as a certified welder working in the Soil and Moisture Department until he retired.
Wilford was the president of the Bannock Creek Stockman’s Association. He was also was range rider. He was member of the Native American Church, a lifelong resident of the reservation and his hobbies included traveling, fishing, hunting, going to rodeos, gambling, reading, watching movies/sports. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Wilford Sr. is survived by his children; sons, Wilford Jr. and Clint Ballard, both of Fort Hall; Wayland Ballard of Washington; daughters, Ilene (Curtis) Williams and Tonea (Mike) Moss, both of Fort Hall; a brother, Willard (Vida) Ballard; and a brother-in-law, Vincent Ponzo, both of Fort Hall; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, several brothers and sisters, three children and several other family members.
Tribal services will be conducted on Monday, April 18, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Cedars Cemetery. Wilford will lie in state until service time at the Ballard home on Rio Vista, between Ballard and Reservation roads. Friends may send online condolences to the family by visiting www.DownardFuneralHome.com.